Visas & Entry

There are two distinct ways of entering North Cyprus. Directly via Türkiye into Ercan airport, or via South Cyprus and crossing over the border.
Via Ercan airport
British, EU and US passport holders don't need tourist visas for North Cyprus entry and up to a 90-day stay may be granted. Tourist visitors staying at hotel or rented accommodation will normally be issued a visa for a maximum of 30 days. If they can submit documents showing that a prior payment has been made for lengthier accommodation, a visa up to 90 days may be granted. A visa up to 90 days may also be issued to those who come for official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sporting events, cultural and artistic events, health tourism and similar purposes. Citizens of the European Union and Schengen Area Countries travelling to North Cyprus can show a National Identity Card, whereas citizens of other countries are required to present a valid Passport. Ercan Airport, located just outside the capital Nicosia, currently serves over 4million passengers a year, and major carriers include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines as well as several charter flight carriers. Upon arrival to Ercan, visitors fill out personal details on a white slip which will be stamped on entry and should be retained throughout the visit. Citizens of countries that don't have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus, or that are not members of the EU, must have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be able to enter the country. Citizens of countries that do have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus or are citizens of EU countries, must have a passport or travel document valid for at least 2 months to be able to enter. It's worth noting that visitors transiting Türkiye en route to Ercan, may decide to leave the airport in Türkiye to visit for a few hours or days, in which case they will have to purchase a visa available upon exit through passport control.
Via South Cyprus
You can cross the border at one of the many Turkish Cypriot passport controls points, and the same conditions apply. There are no restrictions on how many times you cross and border crossings are open 24 hours a day. There are limitations on the volume of goods you can cross the border with, especially duty-free items, such as cigarettes and alcohol or contraband. Any person found to be violating these restrictions will have their goods confiscated and a fine can also be imposed.
Northern Cyprus Visa Applications
1. Passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages that will be valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous visas (if obtained) also must be provided.
2. Completed and signed visa application form along with one color biometric photo, that are not older than 6 months.
3. Proof of travel, with confirmed two-way tickets.
4. Bank account details, proving the passenger can sufficiently fund their travel.
5. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents such as; letter from an employer, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds.
6. Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of hotel reservation throughout the stay.
7. Documentation of travel health insurance throughout the period of travel and that is valid within the entire Schengen area.
There are specific documents that need to be attached to an application depending on employment status.
Employed:
o Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating position in company and salary)
o Bank account statement of the past 6 months
o Approval letter of leave from employer
o Income Tax Return (ITR)
Self-employed:
o Proof of business license (company registration)
o Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months
Io ncome Tax Return (ITR)
Student:
o Documentation of University enrolment
o No-objection certificate from school management
Retired:
o Pension statement documenting the past 6 months
Unemployed:
o Proof of financial resources is required
o If the person is not able to finance their own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.
Visa Sponsorship
o Students or unemployed/retired people who aren't in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will bear all costs. The sponsor must be a first-degree relative and will have to prove sufficient resources by meeting certain requirements such as filling out the sponsorship form and submitting the requested documents.
o Northern Cyprus Visa Rules
Visa applications shall be submitted to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
o It's advised to submit applications at least one month prior to your travel date. Visa applications are concluded in three days.
o Citizens of Syria, Nigeria and Armenia are required to process their visa applications in person.
o Citizens of other countries may obtain their visas at the border by Immigration Officers. However, the terms of entry differ depending on the nationality of passport holders.
o Flights to Northern Cyprus are connected from Türkiye. Thus, travelers may need a transit visa from Republic of Türkiye depending on their nationality of origin.
o Turkish citizens may face problems obtaining a Greek visa if their passports have an entry or exit stamp from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Therefore, it may be recommended to travel with national identity card.
Turkish Citizens
o Turkish citizens can visit Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without any visa requirements. A valid passport or identity card is needed.